Hillary Clinton Returns to Iowa for Harkin Steak Fry

Hillary Clinton waves to supporters as she walks with Sen. Tom Harkin at his steak fry in September 2007.

Associated Press

Hillary Clinton will return to Iowa next month for the first time since her ill-fated 2008 presidential bid, appearing at one of the rites of passage for prospective Democratic national candidates: Sen. Tom Harkin’s steak fry.

Mrs. Clinton will be accompanied by her husband, former President Bill Clinton – a joint appearance that will inevitably stoke speculation about her 2016 presidential ambitions. The former secretary of state has said she is mulling whether to enter the race.

The Clintons made repeated campaign stops in Iowa in the run-up to the state’s 2008 presidential caucus, a contest that Barack Obama won, shattering the image of Mrs. Clinton as the Democratic Party’s inevitable nominee.

“She’s looking forward to campaigning for her Democratic friends and colleagues and to helping the effort to move America forward, including a stop to see her old friend and colleague Sen. Harkin to help raise money for important races in Iowa,” said Nick Merrill, a spokesman for the former first lady.

Mr. Harkin, a Democrat, is retiring from the Senate, having decided not to run for reelection this year.

In a statement, he said he “couldn’t be happier than to share this special day with two such close friends. They have contributed so much good, inspiring leadership to this country for many years, and I am sure they will continue to do so in the years ahead.”

A year ago, Vice President Joe Biden was a marquee speaker at Mr. Harkin’s steak fry — a combination fundraiser and proving ground for Democrats with national political ambitions. A spokeswoman for Mr. Biden’s office didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment about whether he’ll attend the event. The steak fry is set for Sept. 14 in Indianola.

A tweet from the account of Jeff Kaufmann, the Republican Party of Iowa chairman, said: “I welcome @HillaryClinton to Iowa after more than six-and-a-half years flying over the Hawkeye State.”

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